How's That, Prime Minister
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
From Bob Tebbit – winner of “Display Your Way” October 2024 Stampex
When I received the email to inform me that I had got the most votes in the “Display Your Way” event at Autumn Stampex, I was both surprised and delighted to have been recognised in this way. I enter competitions with no expectation of success so to win is a great thrill! On top of this I have received a really nice prize of the proof sheet for the cancelled 2020 Stampex which will certainly enhance my collection.
I have been a regular visitor to London for Stampex since April 1967 when the venue was Central Hall. The venue was changed to the Royal Horticultural Halls and now the Business Design Centre, as has the format and popularity of the show. Habits, customs and attitudes have all modified considerably over the intervening 58 years. One of the biggest changes must be how stamps are bought; in my early years a physical shop was the place to go and I imagine that now the vast majority of purchases are via the internet using electronic funds rather than cash.
Some changes to Stampex that are worthy of note, in my opinion, are the cessation of exhibits and the absence of Royal Mail. I do like to see what other collectors are doing and pick up as many ideas as possible. I know that RM has changed its attitude towards philately over the last few years but they always seemed to be doing a roaring trade during my visits to the show.
I think it is noteworthy that the previous winners of this event both contributed thematic exhibits. There was a time when some collectors would not consider a thematic collection to be worthy – it was said to be too modern and not expensive enough for their approval. The start of my personal journey into a cricket collection can be pinpointed to the 1970 Philympia International Stamp Exhibition at Olympia. As my enthusiasm for GB issues (which I religiously purchased at a Post Office on the day of issue) was already waning, it did not need much pressure to sell me a couple of cricket stamps that were to form the beginning of my combination of two great loves, cricket and stamp collecting.
Over the years my collection has expanded from issues showing an obvious cricket content to two further topics; stamps showing places where cricket has been played and people who have played or officiated at the game. Examples are football matches at The Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground for other sports, Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, Samuel Beckett, Lord Byron and Arthur Conan Doyle.
I am a firm believer in the benefits of belonging to a Stamp Club and meeting others of a like mind – and some whose collecting preferences are entirely different. I have often been asked to show my material to other societies. The amazing and extensive range of material available never ceases to amaze. I have also been a regular contributor of articles to Wickets magazine, the quarterly newsletter of the now defunct Cricket Philatelic Society.
I am also amused by this award. My local society voted my entry into last place when I offered it in a competition. Nationally, I have won!
"Once again allow me to express my thanks for this; the boost of winning a competition means such a lot to an “ordinary” collector. The Display Your Way contest is an excellent idea and has a good future ahead. Someone like me would never enter a traditional event; the lack of entry fee and numerous rules will surely encourage anyone in the world to take part. The encouragement that I have received from competing is immeasurable." Bob Tebbit
Would you like to Display Your Way at this Stampex in London in October 2025?
We are accepting applications until the 1st October.
Find out more here: www.stampexinternational.com/display
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